Jayawardene helps Lanka post a healthy 289

Kingston (Jamaica):Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene led from the front with a maiden World Cup hundred in Tuesday's semi-final against New Zealand here at Sabina Park.

Jayawardene's 115 not out was the centrepiece of an imposing total of 289 for five and showed the value of a well-paced innings after he'd taken 28 balls to score his first boundary.

Dropped on 70, in all he faced 109 balls with three sixes and 10 fours after winning the toss in what was his first hundred in 23 World Cup matches.

New Zealand faced a tough chase if they were to reach their first World Cup final, with middle-order hitter Craig McMillan uncertain to bat after being off the field for most of Sri Lanka's innings with a stomach muscle injury.

Earlier, opener Upul Tharanga struck a tournament best 73 to make sure Sri Lanka recovered well after Sanath Jayasuriya fell early on for one.

Together with Tillakaratne Dilshan, Jayawardene put on 81 for the fifth wicket before a rapid unbroken stand of 56 with Russel Arnold (14 not out).

Crucially, Sri Lanka lost just one wicket to spearhead quick Shane Bond who was returning after missing Friday's 215-run thrashing by Australia with a stomach illness.

The fast bowler's 10 overs cost 59 runs and it was he who dropped Jayawardene as Sri Lanka's captain led a charge that saw 102 runs scored off the last 10 overs.

The Black Caps enjoyed an early breakthrough when new-ball bowler James Franklin struck in what was a repeat of the April 12 Super Eights match in Grenada, which Sri Lanka won by six wickets.

The left-armer bowled the dangerous Jayasuriya when the 1996 World Cup winner aimed legside at a straight ball leaving Sri Lanka 13 for one.

Tharanga's flashing square cut over backward point off Franklin brought up the fifty in 65 balls.